### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâtsach**, represented by `{{H6476}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **break out**, typically in a joyful sound. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition encompasses actions like breaking forth into joy or making a loud noise, indicating a sudden and forceful expression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H6476}}` is overwhelmingly used to describe a spontaneous eruption of joy and singing in response to God's redemptive acts. In a powerful display of personification, creation itself is commanded to participate in this praise, with mountains, hills, and forests set to **break forth** into singing because the LORD has comforted and redeemed His people ([[Isaiah 44:23]], [[Isaiah 49:13]], [[Isaiah 55:12]]). This theme of restoration is also seen when the barren and the desolate places of Jerusalem are told to **break forth** into joy ([[Isaiah 54:1]], [[Isaiah 52:9]]). However, a starkly different usage appears in Micah, where the word describes the violent act of rulers who **break** the bones of the people, illustrating a breaking of a destructive, rather than celebratory, nature [[Micah 3:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context in which `{{H6476}}` is used, often highlighting themes of joy, praise, and God's comfort:
* `{{H7440}}` **rinnâh** (singing): This word for a shout of joy or grief is frequently paired with `{{H6476}}`, defining the nature of the "breaking forth" as an act of singing [[Isaiah 55:12]].
* `{{H7442}}` **rânan** (rejoice, sing): Often appearing alongside `{{H6476}}`, this term commands a joyful shout or song, as seen in the call for all the earth to rejoice and sing praise [[Psalms 98:4]].
* `{{H5162}}` **nâcham** (comfort): The act of breaking forth into joy is often a direct result of God's compassion. This is stated explicitly when the mountains are to break forth because the LORD has **comforted** his people [[Isaiah 49:13]].
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (mountain): Mountains and hills are frequently depicted as the subjects that will **break forth** into singing, personifying all of creation celebrating God's deliverance [[Isaiah 44:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6476}}` is demonstrated through its connection to divine action and human response.
* **Creation's Response to Redemption:** The word is used to illustrate that God's redemptive work is so profound that even inanimate nature, like **mountains** and trees, is depicted as breaking forth into song in celebration [[Isaiah 55:12]].
* **The Joy of Salvation:** The command to "break forth into joy" is not a baseless emotion but a direct consequence of God's deliverance. This is evident when the barren sings [[Isaiah 54:1]] and the waste places of Jerusalem rejoice because the LORD has redeemed them [[Isaiah 52:9]].
* **A Metaphor for Judgment:** The term's use in a violent context shows its versatility. In [[Micah 3:3]], the "breaking" of bones by corrupt leaders serves as a powerful metaphor for their cruel oppression, highlighting the severity of sin and pending judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6476}}` is a dynamic word that captures the idea of a sudden, powerful outburst. While it is predominantly used to express an eruption of immense joy and praise in response to God's comfort and salvation, its use in one passage to describe violent destruction reveals a deeper meaning. Whether signifying the joy of a redeemed people and a singing creation or the brutal force of oppression, **pâtsach** denotes a breaking point that cannot be contained.
TRV